Australian Open 2018 Preview

With the end-of-season ATP Finals just around the corner, the 2017 tennis season is nearly at an end once again. And what an incredible year it has been. Few pundits and fans would have predicted that in the men’s game, the year’s four Majors would be evenly split between two of the greatest players of all-time, Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer. It almost feels like we have gone back in time a decade! As for the women’s game, four different champions have lifted each of the Major trophies. So, now is a good time to preview the first Grand Slam of 2018, the Australian Open.

Will Federer reign supreme again?

Last year’s men’s Australian Open Final was another classic five-setter between Federer and Nadal, and the way their form is at the moment, it would be no surprise to see another repeat performance. If it is, Australian Open ticketswill certainly be hot property! At the age of 36 and having not won a Major since 2012, the year that Federer has enjoyed has been very special. Losing only a handful of matches and winning Wimbledon for a record eighth time, the great Swiss seems to be at the peak of his powers once again. But Nadal is another player who had been written off a couple of years ago, only to return to winning ways as only great champions do.

Meanwhile, after reigning supreme at the top of the tennis world for such a long time, Novak Djokovic has had a year to forget, albeit one that has been blighted by injury. After achieving his dream of winning the French Open last year, he seems to have lost the pace somewhat. But as a six-time champion, he is certainly one that can’t be written off. Andy Murray too is currently injured, but could be looking to return in time to make the tournament. And after losing in five finals, he will have a point to prove.

As for the rest, Stan Wawrinka is another former champion whose name has been on the injury list. Juan Martin del Potro has enjoyed something of a resurgence, while there are a few young guns coming through like Alexander Zverev.

A wide-open Women’s Championship?

Last year, Serena Williams lifted the famous trophy once again and made history as the most-decorated singles player in history. Like the men’s championship, the women’s game had something of a blast-from-the-past feel with the Williams sisters lining up against each other in a final for the first time since 2009. Rumours are that Serena could return from maternity leave in-time for the 2018 championship, which would be an incredible story! Another former Grand Slam champions looking to compete on the biggest stage is Maria Sharapova who has served her ban for taking banned substances and will be ready to make her mark.

The return to form of the great champions has captivated the tennis world, and many are looking forward to seeing whether they can maintain their dominance in the Australian Open 2018 and the year ahead.

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